Real Madrid wingers Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are likely to be absent for the team’s upcoming fixture. Here’s a look at why and their current status.
Having won their continental cup two years in a row, Real Madrid will now be taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup for a third straight year. Last year Los Blancos were the first team to ever win the title back to back and will be looking to create another record of their own as they return to Abu Dhabi.
Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio were both included in the 25 man match squad that travelled with the team but are considered questionable for the match on Wednesday. Neither attacker was able to take part in the full training session which took place on Monday.
🛫🇦🇪 We're all set for our journey to the Club World Cup on the special @realmadrid @emirates A380! #RMCWC pic.twitter.com/8GhcwVvCPQ
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 16, 2018
On Sunday Real Madrid flew out to Abu Dhabi in their custom decal Airbus A380 for the Club World Cup. The competition brings together the winners of their respective continental cups in a showdown, with the title of being the best club in the world up for grabs.
Gareth Bale who was substituted off in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano was unable to complete the training session due to discomfort. Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema seem to be aboard the same boat, as they too are in similar situations to Bale. Asensio seems to have some discomfort in his thigh muscle which prohibited him from seeing out Monday’s session. While Karim Benzema is having issues with his ankle. No official word has been made on the players.
🏃♂️💨💨 Photo finish!#RMCWC | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/qurUJWMyvM
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 17, 2018
Casemiro and Sergio Reguillon though are two positives for Real Madrid as both completed the full session with the group. Casemiro has been out for some time now with Marcos Llorente doing a superb job filling in the Brazilians role.
In accordance with the format of the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid is automatically through to the semi-final where they will faceoff against the Kashima Antlers. This will be a repeat of the 2016 CWC Final which took place in Japa. Real Madrid claimed victory late on and will be looking to get the upper hand once again.
The competition adds to the chaos of an already Real Madrid but more titles mean more clout and that is exactly what a club like Real Madrid thrives on. Solari’s aim will be to secure this title and head back home without any injuries or hiccups.